Smith is decidedly better than most people thought, but it took a superior running game and top notch defense for him to finally have a decent year. So he can handle the caretaker QB role. I don't think you can put the whole team on his back and expect too much.

I also think that you can't understate what Jim Harbaugh has done for Smith. When everyone and their mother was clamouring for the 49ers to get rid of Smith, Harbaugh gave him his playbook and said 'you're our guy', instilling confidence in him. And that confidence only grew as the season wore on, culminating in those two final sensational drives against the Saints.

I also think that you can't understate what Jim Harbaugh has done for Smith. When everyone and their mother was clamouring for the 49ers to get rid of Smith, Harbaugh gave him his playbook and said 'you're our guy', instilling confidence in him. And that confidence only grew as the season wore on, culminating in those two final sensational drives against the Saints.

Absolutely. I think it's a fair assessment that Harbaugh saved that career. And at times Smith did look brilliant.